How to update your BIOS

NZXT M7 Z490 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Whether you lot buy one of today'south best laptops or desktop PCs, or if y'all build your own, at some indicate you're going to need to do a BIOS (as well referred to as UEFI) update. With Windows xi on the horizon and its Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 requirements, that time might be coming really soon.

Virtually of the time there'south a strong case to exist made that you should only leave your BIOS solitary. Bad updates can completely hose your PC, so running on a line of "if information technology ain't broke, don't fix it" tin can get you by. But as, there'southward e'er a take a chance that important fixes will need to be practical. So information technology'due south a expert idea to familiarize yourself with updating your BIOS.

The BIOS is detached from Windows, and so in a lot of cases updating it requires going in and updating straight. It might sound scary if you're not a seasoned PC builder, and unfortunately, there is no single solution that covers every desktop, laptop, or motherboard. Here'south what you need to know to get your BIOS update applied successfully.

How to check your BIOS version

TPM Source: Richard Devine / Windows Cardinal

If you're running the latest version you won't have to apply any updates, so it's a good idea to know what you lot're running before you first. This fleck can be washed from Windows, so y'all don't need to reboot into the BIOS.

Hit the Windows and R keys together.
Type msinfo32 and press enter.
Locate the entry marked BIOS version/engagement.
Note downwardly this data and shut the window.

That's all you need to do for now. If yous know your motherboard manufacturer and model or you take a pre-built desktop PC from a company similar Dell or Lenovo, or a laptop, you can skip to the next section. If you don't know your motherboard details, you'll demand those earlier going to the next stage also.

Command Prompt Source: Windows Central

Hit the Windows and R keys together.
Type cmd and press enter.
Enter the command wmic baseboard get production,Manufacturer,version,serialnumber and press enter.
Note downwards the details and shut the window.

This control will provide you all the key information nearly your motherboard in order to download the right BIOS.

How to download and update your BIOS

Amd Ftpm Bios Source: Windows Cardinal

This is where the exact scientific discipline stops and yous'll have to venture out on your own. Each dissimilar PC, laptop, and motherboard model has its ain BIOS, and you will take to go and find it. The place to go is the support site for your relevant manufacturer.

Sometimes yous'll get lucky and in that location will exist a Windows application you can download that will apply the update for you. Only in most, especially if you have a custom-built PC, yous'll have to use it manually from a USB flash bulldoze. The good news is that no manufacturer will expect you to effigy it out for yourself. Accompanying any download will exist comprehensive instructions on how to apply the updates.

Using the ASRock motherboard I take equally an example, non merely will the support site show the correct BIOS update for your motherboard, merely it besides offers step-by-footstep instructions on using its Instant Wink feature to apply it. Information technology'due south worth keeping the instructions open on a 2d device while you work.

It is a fairly technical procedure and while information technology might expect scary, it really isn't. If you're not familiar with the process just have your time, read the specific instructions provided by your hardware manufacturer, and yous'll be fine. Information technology'southward unlikely to exist a regular process you'll need to complete, at least.